Of my hubby's first full sleep study! Sighhhhhhhhhhhh!  Actually a big relief! Hopefully we'll find out something soon!
I'm hoping that he'll fit the criteria for immediate intervension and they'll titrate him as well--(I'm not wanting to wait until after the dr. appt at the end of the month to schedule another titration--then wait another month etc.) The oximetry report already showed severe sleep disordered breathing so I guess we'll see!
We are so anxious to see what's going on--why he's so tired all the time, why he doesn't sleep and especially why his 02 levels are so low at night--we're thinking of course OSA! and we're anxious to get on cpap to get him normal again!

So tonight is the Big Night! I am sure things will go fine! and you guys will at long last will be able to get some answers! I wish you both well and hope you don't have to wait long for the results! Good Luck to You Both!


_________________
White Beard with a White Beard
Resmed VPAP Adapt SV Enhanced, HumidAire 2i, ResLink with Model 8000 Flex sensor Pulse Oximeter, and ResScan 3.5 software. Respironic EverFlo OPI Oxygen Concentrator 3 lpm
EEP 9.0, min PS 6.0, max PS 16.0

I hope that he isnt too anxious and can sleep! Good luck!

UPDATE--he came back about 6:20 this morning. Said he slept ok--about normal. the tech said they got a lot of data--although i'm sure they say that with everyone--how could you not with all those wires attached everywhere. he really didn't say much else as i know they're not allowed to say anything. the tech said the dr. should have the report within 10 days but we might be able to call next monday and see if there needs to be titration to maybe schedule it before drs appt. that would be good--although i'm prbably thinking the later--we go to dr on 28th get the results then schedule the titration etc. --just more time it's frustrating to say the least! Although the tech did say as he probably says to everybody that people say the "mask" changes their lives! but he said that last night while hooking everything up--i'm sure it's just general info.

Hi there karessamom,

I sense you're disappointed that he didn't have a split night study (where they do both the baseline sleep study and the titration with the cpap and mask).  Don't be discouraged, this is more the norm than the exception.  

I would take the tech's recommendation and call to see if the titration can be scheduled.  As you know, there is sometimes a wait for the next study, so the earlier you can schedule it, the better.  His doctor may have already authorized both parts of the study anyhow, so if your husband gets in for the titration study before the doctor visit on the 28th, even better.  

There is a certain criteria, called a protocol, for the tech to follow in doing a split night study.  Basically, your husband will have had to initiate sleep early enough to have both parts done, and be severe enough.  Most people don't meet that protocol.  But it does NOT mean your husband's condition isn't severe.  Plus, people with mild or moderate sleep apnea can have severe symptoms.   Whether mild, moderate, or severe, it's still sleep apnea and can be successfully treated with cpap.  There's an advantage for the titration study to be done on a second night.  There is longer time to test for just the right pressure, and an opportunity for him to try a couple of different masks if the tech thinks that will help.

Most sleep techs are required to not reveal much about the sleep study.  But I'm pretty sure, from the hints, that he has sleep apnea.  They won't schedule the titration unless he has it.  

Of course, noone wishes people have sleep apnea, but if a patient has the condition, it's a good thing, because it's treatable.  And you well know how miserable he is (and  you are) because of this.  Hang in there.  The process of evaluation takes time, but he'll get through it soon.  Oh, also, if they do schedule the titration study, you might ask them to put him on a cancellation list.  That can be useful, if you're willing to be flexible.  It certainly can't hurt.


Linda

thank you linda for your words of encouragement! I appreciate that more than you know! Hopefull that will help me help him from getting so discouraged. I think now that we know what's going on--he's starting to get discouraged i'm sure this will help.

As Linda said "from the hints".  They said they got alot of data so they definitely got what they needed.  Definitely call to see if he needs and can be scheduled for the titration.  Judging by what you said about his O2 sats in the past and what the tech said, I would say he is a canadidate.  May be able to get that titration in before the next MD appointment.

Glad it went well.  Keep us posted.

Hey i've got a question--The tech at the sleep study the other night said that if he needs to go back for titration it would be a good idea to get the dr. to prescribe a sleep aid (such as Lunesta or the Ambein) for the study. He said that it really helps them on the titration. Has anyone heard of this. I thought that was the worst thing you can do for sleep apnea?? also would benedryl work instead if he couldn't get the rx??)

I was given Ambien for my 2nd sleep study too.  Not an uncommon practice I don't think.  It did improve my sleep at the center.  I was put on APAP and my AHI # improved.  I wouldn't be too concerned.


_________________
Forneyfrau
From Forney, TX
Resmed Adapt SV with Resmed Quattro FF Mask
AHI 93
Primary Central Apnea
Diagnosed 4/8/2008

karessamom wrote:

Hey i've got a question--The tech at the sleep study the other night said that if he needs to go back for titration it would be a good idea to get the dr. to prescribe a sleep aid (such as Lunesta or the Ambein) for the study. He said that it really helps them on the titration. Has anyone heard of this. I thought that was the worst thing you can do for sleep apnea?? also would benedryl work instead if he couldn't get the rx??)

Benedryl should be fine.

It depends on the physician really. Some labs will NOT advocate medication unless absolutely necessary. Others have a protocol which allows them to administer them on a PRN basis.

Thanks, It wasn't that i was concerned--just more curious as to why they would suggest that and what the sleep aid does for the study??
it wasn't specific for his case--I just got the impression that they say that to all patients for the titration studies. Maybe it helps the patient get into the ram sleep?? I really have no clue--that's why i asked the question

karessamom wrote:

Thanks, It wasn't that i was concerned--just more curious as to why they would suggest that and what the sleep aid does for the study??
it wasn't specific for his case--I just got the impression that they say that to all patients for the titration studies. Maybe it helps the patient get into the ram sleep?? I really have no clue--that's why i asked the question

Trust me, I wish that our physicians would give every human being that comes into our lab a sedative. ;) It would make our lives so much easier. Haha.

Medications and their effect on sleep studies is going to vary. For instance, Zolpidem Tartrate. One camp suggests that it has no impact on sleep stage percentages, whereas another camp says that it does. What is truly accurate? You tell me. I think it goes on a case by case basis, which will always make the answer somewhat fuzzy.

What if you take one medication that markedly reduces REM and one that markedly increases REM. Is the result an equal wash? Who knows. Also, with the over medicated American population, what are other drugs doing to counteract the effects of drug X? The answer? Nobody knows.

If I were you, id get some benedryl, take it with me and ask the technicians there about their policy. Maybe they will start off without the medication, then administer if the patient has issues sleeping.

Thats just me though. Sorry for the long winded, somewhat off topic, nonsense.

I just called the sleep center and they said that the report was in. He definitely has a severe degree of sleep apnea and he needs to come back for titration.
They faxed the report to our dr. (of course they're out of the office today) he needs to see it and approve it--then fax it back to the sleep center and they can schedule the tittration study. Now we're rollin and we KNOW what we're dealing with!!! Thanks again for all your support and continued support!!
i don't have the numbers from the report--I'm sure i'll get that from the dr. but i've at least got a confirmed answer!!
Lisa

Well at least you know now, and things can start being done toward getting treatment! I am sorry he has Sleep Apnea, but I am happy for you both that you that at least know what it is, and it can be treated!  That's the important thing!. I wish you both the Best of Luck, Keep up posted! White Beard


_________________
White Beard with a White Beard
Resmed VPAP Adapt SV Enhanced, HumidAire 2i, ResLink with Model 8000 Flex sensor Pulse Oximeter, and ResScan 3.5 software. Respironic EverFlo OPI Oxygen Concentrator 3 lpm
EEP 9.0, min PS 6.0, max PS 16.0

Hi km
Glad to see you took the leap of faith and called them.  I got a chuckle because you were afraid the doc would bite your head off.  That must be a sigh of releif for both you and your husband to know that there is a cause and help is around the corner.